NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Cabinet approves telecom spectrum auctions at base
price of Rs 96,317.65 cr: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has approved
auctions in eight spectrum bands for mobile phone services at a base price of
Rs 96,317.65 crore to improve the quality of telecom services and
coverage for consumers. The Ministry of Communication has announced auctions
for spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz,
1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz frequency bands.
2. Govt launches SARATHI portal to help insurance
companies reach out to farmers: The Centre Government has
launched a portal ‘SARATHI’
that aims to help insurance companies
reach out to farmers and rural population with tailored products as
well as the government’s subsidised insurance products including Pradhan Mantri
Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Sarathi (Sandbox for Agricultural and Rural
Security, Technology and Insurance) In the first phase, personal accident and
hospital cash policies, while in the second phase health, shop and home
insurance and in the third phase tractor, two-wheeler, livestock and non-PMFBY
insurance products.
3. Indian Oil-Adani Gas joint venture announces Rs 2,500
crore investment: Indian
Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd will invest 25 billion rupees ($301.24 million) over four
years as it looks to double gas sales to small industries and
households in India. The company, an equal joint venture of refiner Indian Oil
Corp and Adani Total Gas, daily sells about one million standard cubic metres
of gas through its 300 retail outlets. The joint venture aims to double gas
sales in four years and strengthen infrastructure to more than 600 retail
outlets during the period to meet India’s rising gas demand.
4. India ranks 3rd in USGBC’s list on green building
certification for 2023: India ranked third in the US Green Building
Council’s (USGBC) annual list of top 10 countries and regions
in the world for LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in 2023. While
mainland China and Canada held the
first and second positions, respectively. The United States has not been
included in the list. LEED is a green building rating system and the
certification is a globally recognised symbol of sustainability achievement and
leadership.
5. Papanasam beach at Kerala’s Varkala secures spot among
world’s 100 best beaches: Varkala’s Papanasham Beach has achieved a significant milestone by securing a place among
the world’s top 100 beaches in
Lonely Planet’s renowned guidebook, “Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most
Incredible Beaches.” Situated approximately 45 kilometers north of
Kerala’s capital, the beach is easily accessible via road and rail, attracting
a plethora of backpackers due to its stunning cliffside setting. Recognized as
a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the beach offers
breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and serves as a popular destination for
both international and domestic tourists.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 11 February – International Day of Women and Girls in
Science: The International Day of
Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on February 11 every year. The day is observed by the
United Nations to promote full and equal access and participation of women in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This year will
be the ninth International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly. Theme –
Women and Girls in Science Leadership, a New Era for Sustainability and the
subtheme is “Think Science … Think Peace”
2. 10 February – World Pulses Day: World Pulses Day is a global event observed on February 10 every year with the primary aim of educating the
masses about its nutritional value and environmental benefits. According to
United Nations, the celebration of World Pulses Day offers an opportunity to
highlight the role of its sustainable option for diversification as well. Theme
2024 – Pulses: Nourishing Soils
and People Pulses, also known as legumes, are the edible seeds of
leguminous plants cultivated to consume. Among the variety of types, dried
beans, lentils, and peas are the most commonly consumed across the globe.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. India declared joint winners Of SAFF Women’s U-19
Championships with Bangladesh: India was declared joint winners of the SAFF Women’s Under-19
Football Championships with hosts Bangladesh though the visitors
initially thought they have won the title through the toss of coins, in an
unprecedented change of decision made by the match officials. The match ended
1-1 after the regulation 90 minutes of play and direct penalty shootout was
ordered by the referee.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Bharat Ratna For Former PMs
Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao: Prime
Minister Narendra Modi announced that former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Charan Singh, and
scientist Dr MS Swaminathan will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna. Mr
Narasimha Rao was the prime minister from 1991 to 1996 and is known to be the
man who heralded the economic liberalisation of India.
Mr Charan Singh, a champion of workers and farmers’ rights, briefly served as the prime minister in 1979.
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